Edith Stella Anthony

Edith S. Anthony, 90, of Portsmouth, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2026, following a courageous journey with dementia. Born in Providence on January 26, 1936, she was the daughter of the late William and Carolina (Mancini) Sequino and the beloved wife of the late Joseph M. Anthony, Jr., with whom she shared 52 wonderful years of marriage.

Edith was a woman of remarkable intelligence, generosity, and devotion to both her profession and her family. A graduate of St. Mary's Academy, she went on to earn her degree from the University of Rhode Island's School of Pharmacy in 1957. She began her career as a retail pharmacist before joining the staff at St. Joseph's Hospital where she served as Assistant Chief Pharmacist, and she continued to distinguish herself in her field. In 1969, she earned her master's degree and was elected president of the Rhode Island Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Her dedication to the profession extended well beyond her work, as she also served as secretary of the Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Association, president of the New England Council of Hospital Pharmacists, and treasurer of the American Society of Hospital Pharmacists.

While Edith's professional achievements were many, it was her love of family, her faith, and her generosity toward others that truly defined her life. A devoted Catholic, she was an active parishioner of St. Barnabas Church, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and volunteered at parish feasts. Her faith was reflected not only in her involvement with the church but also in the kindness and compassion she extended to everyone around her. She was always willing to lend a hand to someone in need.

Edith found great joy in bringing people together. An enthusiastic cook who loved experimenting with new recipes, she was affectionately known as "the hostess with the mostest." Whether preparing holiday meals, welcoming friends into her home, or organizing class reunions, Edith had a wonderful way of making every gathering feel special. Her home was a place where family and friends were always welcome, and where good food and cherished memories were made.

Above all, Edith treasured her role as a mother and Nana. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising her three children and took immense pride in her six grandchildren. Some of her happiest memories were made traveling with her family, particularly during their time together in Florida and at Disney World. For Edith, the greatest joy was simply being surrounded by the people she loved.

Edith leaves behind her three children, Kristin Allder and her husband, Matthew, Kimberly Phelan and her husband, Brendan, and Kevin Anthony and his partner, Michael; her six cherished grandchildren, Joshua and his wife, Katie, Claire, Benjamin, Adam, Noah, and Micah; her brother, William Sequino and his wife, Cyndee; and her sister-in-law, Marie Sequino.

In addition to her beloved husband, Joseph, Edith was predeceased by her brother, Francis Sequino, who passed away exactly sixteen years before her.

Edith's life was one of faith, family, service, and kindness. She will be remembered for her generous heart, her welcoming spirit, and the love she so freely shared. Her legacy lives on in the family she adored and the many lives she touched along the way.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Road, Portsmouth. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Churchyard, East Main Road, Portsmouth.

The family would like to extend profound thanks to John Clarke Senior Living and Hope Hospice for their loving care over the past three and a half years.

In keeping with Edith's giving nature, her family asks that, in lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor her memory consider donating blood, supporting a favorite charity, or simply performing an act of kindness for someone in need.